Chris’s Corner - POST SAKE DAY MINI INTERVIEWS WITH THE TRUE SAKE STAFF
SAKE DAY Recap: A Quick Chat with Mei Ho
We caught up with Mei Ho, director of SAKE DAY, right after this year's event to hear how it went, what she'd change, and which bottles stood out. Mei wasn't given the questions in advance, and the interview was done on the spot without notice, so these are her off-the-cuff answers.
How was SAKE DAY this year?
It was great. Everything went smoothly.
Is there anything you would do differently?
Honestly, I'm not sure there's anything I'd change, whether for guests or for vendors. I would definitely bring Pocari Sweat back, though. That was fun.
People really liked having Pocari Sweat as the "water" sponsor.
They did, and I'm glad!
What was your favorite SAKE DAY special order bottle?
The Zaku "Miyabi no Tomo" Nakadori Junmai Daiginjo.
And what about a SAKE DAY bottle that we normally carry in the store?
Oh, that's tough. I don't want to play favorites, but all the Zaku was pretty good.
Who was your favorite person at SAKE DAY?
Oh man, now I feel like I'm playing favorites, because Shimizu-san and Takeuchi-san from Zaku were great.
[Yuki Shimizu is Director, Head of General Affairs & Corporate Planning at Shimizu Seizaburo Shoten. Wakana Takeuchi is a kurabito (brewery worker) at Shimizu Seizaburo Shoten. Together they poured Zaku at Sake Day, including the Welcome Sake, Zaku "Miyabi no Tomo" Junmai Ginjo.]
What was your SAKE DAY highlight?
Seeing everybody enjoy themselves. People looked like they were having fun, and they were cordial and respectful. Everyone just behaved themselves.
SAKE DAY Recap: A Quick Chat with KJ
We caught up with KJ, True Sake's social media manager, right after this year's Sake Day to hear how it went, what she'd change, and which bottles stood out. KJ wasn't given the questions in advance, and the interview was done on the spot without notice, so these are her off-the-cuff answers.
How was SAKE DAY this year?
It was great. I was up at the welcome table, and I was the "ochoko police." Anyone who got too rowdy, I told them to be good, and then I also took some pictures for people, and I just saw lots of friends and had a million conversations.
Is there anything you would do differently?
Well, I would call myself the social media maven. I don't know why I had that inspiration just now. Besides that, what would I do different? Well, hmm. I would give myself an extra half hour break so I could taste... That's what I'd do.
What was your favorite SAKE DAY special order bottle?
One great sake that was sold at Sake Day is Ine to Agave Hanakaze (稲とアガベ 花風), a hop sake from Akita, with a great image on the front label that combines a Namahage and hops. But if you want to get really wild, don't forget about SHEZEN. It's one of the sassiest sakes out there. I just think, wow, that's interesting. Try any flavor, especially shiso and kiwi.
[Namahage are demon-like folk figures from Akita Prefecture's Oga Peninsula. On New Year's Eve, men in demon masks and straw costumes visit homes to scold misbehaving children and bring good fortune for the year.]
What was your favorite SAKE DAY bottle that we normally carry in the store?
I like the Aizu Homare table. They have everything from strawberry nigori, chocolate nigori, lychee nigori, to Aizu Homare Champion Junmai Daiginjo for 60 bucks. That's a steal.
Who was your favorite person at SAKE DAY?
The OG, John Gauntner, our ISSOTY.
[ISSOTY stands for International Sake Soul of the Year, the 2026 award given to John Gauntner.]
What was your SAKE DAY highlight?
Seeing all the beloved students and having nice conversations. Just seeing all the students having fun over the years, and seeing how everybody's careers have progressed and how everyone's a community.
SAKE DAY Recap: A Quick Chat with Akemi
We caught up with Akemi, True Sake's newest team member, right after this year's Sake Day to hear how it went, what she'd change, and which bottles stood out. Akemi wasn't given the questions in advance, and the interview was done on the spot without notice, so these are her off-the-cuff answers.
How was SAKE DAY this year?
It was my first time participating as a team member, and it was fantastic. There was a lot of energy and a lot of people, and everybody was so excited about the sake. It was just great feelings and great vibes. I had a great time.
Is there anything you would do differently?
Next year, when I have time to visit the booths, I would go to the ones I've never heard of or never tasted, and be strategic about it. That way I can explore new things for myself and introduce myself to the vendors.
What was your favorite bottle that was not for sale at SAKE DAY?
Hatta (at the New Trend table) was really nice. It was unique, and it lined up with my taste.
What was your favorite SAKE DAY bottle that we normally carry in the store?
Kiminoi Yamahai Ginjo. That's my favorite.
What was your favorite SAKE DAY special order bottle?
The Bijofu 'Schwa' Ginjo Sparkling Sake. I like that kind of stuff, and it's fun to have something new like that, especially at an event. I think it intrigues a lot of new people, too.
What was your SAKE DAY highlight?
As a team, we got together and worked together to pull off this big event. Seeing it from behind the scenes, from the True Sake side, that was great to see, and I'm happy to be participating.